This proposal would…

This proposal would represent an enormous step backward in the way infrastructure is developed in Ontario if the bill is passed. There is no evidence locally or globally that bike lanes worsen congestion, rather, evidence suggests they are good for business, and lead to less cars on the road, which is the true solution to congestion.

Even if bike lanes had some negative effect on congestion, would they not still be worth the safety they provide to commuters on their way to work, kids on their way to school, or people out enjoying Ontario's beautiful weather? This proposal plainly puts the convenience of drivers above the safety of vulnerable road uses, who are already vastly over represented in accident-related fatalities.

The claim made publicly by the Conservative government that bike lanes could be placed on side streets instead is not a viable alternative. It inconveniences cyclists far more than an arterial bike lane inconveniences drives, and makes cycling a less viable alternative, which worsens traffic as more people require cars to get where they need to go safely and quickly.

Considering the environment, bike lanes encourage fewer cars out polluting on the road, they encourage urban development that Ontario needs during this housing crisis, and they stimulate local economies.

This bill is also a massive overreach into city powers.

I urge the government to reconsider this backwards bill, and to leave municipal infrastructure up to municipalities.